Jameer Nelson Out Again.... Now What

Could there be an AI sighting in Orlando. With Jameer Nelson out 4-6 week with an injury and without a good reserve point guard the Magic may be forced to take a look at AI. It makes sense figuring Iverson is going to be real cheap and could put asses in seats. However, the only concern I would have is when Jameer comes back. Would Iverson be O.K. with coming off the bench for Stan Van Gundy? Probably not. But if I were the Magic, I would do it and deal with the consequences later.

Lakers 100 Magic 75

I don't care what anyone says, but the Lakers are a much better team. Something about the Magic I just don't trust. They are so up and down you just never know what to expect. Kobe was awesome last night putting up 40 points 8 boards and 8 assists. I hate him with all my heart, but right now he has that look like he is just going to kill the Magic.

I also really think the Magic made a mistake bringing Nelson back for the Finals. The guy hasn't played in a while, and getting rust out of your system is something a team does not need in the finals. Nelson was 3-9 with 6 points 4 assists. He didn't have a terrible game, but this team was in a rhythm as they took down the Cavaliers, and I just wouldn't have messed with that.

The Magic live and die on the three, and it wasn't falling for them last night (8-of-23). If they are going to have any shot in this series they are going to have to shoot a lot better then that.

Here is a scary stat for the Magic...Phil Jackson is 43-0 in series in which his team wins Game 1.

Jameer Nelson To Play In The Finals

His tattoo speaks to what will happen to him. All eyes will be on him as the young point guard is expected to come back an play in game 1 of the finals. Nelson had what was then called season-ending surgery Feb. 19. Nelson's rehabilitation was supposed to take at least another two months. Game 1 of the Finals is Thursday night in Los Angeles, and healed or not, Nelson wants to play.

I like Jameer's toughness, but I don't know if this will destroy any flow the Magic had with Rafar Alston or not. Rafar Alston has played a servicable job as the point guard in Jameer's absence, however, he has disappeared in some crucial play off games. It will be interesting to see how much Jameer plays in game one, and if he can pull it off and be effective, that will improve the Magics odds dramatically.

NBA Trade Dealine Has Passed

The deadline has passed, and there was 1 trade that is about to pass...

"Looks like we have a fairly significant three-way deal that has been submitted to the league just before the trade deadline. NBA front-office sources tell ESPN.com that Orlando is acquiring Rafer Alston from Houston to fill the void created at point guard by Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury. The Rockets will receive Memphis guard Kyle Lowry, Orlando forward Brian Cook and perhaps two other minimum-salaried players to make the finances work. The Grizzlies will receive a first-round pick from Orlando (ESPN)."

Alston will be a nice fill in for Nelson, and the Grizzlies continue to stockpile draft picks and young talent. I don't really understand this trade for the Rockets, but I would have to see all the contracts before really understand their side of it. Alston will keep the Magic in the Eastern Conference race, while adding depth to the team for the playoffs.